More Airport Noise?

If you thought airplane noise was already bad, it may get worse. A possible Federal Aviation Administration rule change could lead to even more noise pollution.

According to CBS News, the FAA is planning to change its rules so flight plans can be changed without any environmental review.

Queens and Nassau County Rep. Steve Israel told CBS, “This is a bad rule for our quality of life, it’s a bad rule for our environment, it’s a bad rule for people who live in the vicinity of New York’s airports,” Israel said.

“The people of Queens do not deserve to be steamrolled by the FAA,” Rep. Grace Meng said.

Lawmakers have written to the FAA asking that JFK and LaGuardia airports be excluded from the new rules.

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder also recently wrote to Governor Cuomo, urging him to sign legislation to require the Port Authority of NY and NJ to conduct a noise study and hold public meetings in south Queens and Rockaway.

With less than a week for public comment, Queens residents can send their opinions to the FAA at www.regulations.gov. Mail and fax are also available. The deadline is September 30th.